Is this a bearing?

[Mazdarx]

Since pictures don't adequately show the problem, I made a short video of the problem. Ok so what happened, I was driving along and I felt a vibration in the front and it had started to make some noise, as I was very close to work and there was nowhere I could stop, I was forced to keep going. Then it made a loud bang and a cloud of smoke let go from the right corner. Anyway, I limped the car slowly in first gear to work, when I got there I got it up in the air and took the wheel off to discover this. I believe its a wheel bearing, as I need this car back on the road right away I am thinking my best option is to replace the whole hub or spindle or whatever is needed as an assembly. So what do I need, first what parts do I need to buy, and second what tools do I need? I went to remove the calipers and they are an allan key, what size is it? I will have to get one as I have none that large. If this video doesnt help I will make another.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap_G30vSoUw

 

[trainguy1989]

The rotor is going to move with the wheel off. Thats normal. That bang was something else. The hub and spindle look fine. If you want to check the wheel bearing, put the wheel back on and place your hands at 12:00 and 6:00 on the wheel and wiggle it in a rocking motion. If there is excessive play you have a bad wheel bearing.

 

[Mazdarx]

Oh it does, a lot. But not just side to side, in every direction. When I first stopped the car, the top of the wheel was leaned way out. Let me try again with the video, I know the rotor moves, but that hub on the end of the drive axle should not.

 

[trainguy1989]

Guess I cant tell. The camera is moving a lot in that video.

 

[Mazdarx]

Yeah sorry, its hard to hold the camera and make the hub move at the same time. I've got another, longer video uploading right now I'm hoping that one is better.

 

[Mazdarx]

So do you know what size the allan key to remove the brake caliper is? Oh and here is another hopefully better video of the issue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVXJ2Ok5gTE

 

[trainguy1989]

Yea that wheel bearing looks bad. I have no idea what size that allan key is. I never played around a 89, 90 SHO. There brakes are different for some reason.

 

[Mazdarx]

Well I sorted out the allen key, any special tools needed to get this hub off?

 

[Phoenix]

Its pressed , you need to get the spindle off the car , get a new bearing and have it pressed in the spindle. You can do it yourself if you have a big ass bench vise , or a small shop press.

 

[Mazdarx]

I was planning to just get another spindle and bolt that on. So what I mean is do I need anything special to do that? What size is the nut on the end of the axle?

 

[trainguy1989]

I was planning to just get another spindle and bolt that on. So what I mean is do I need anything special to do that? What size is the nut on the end of the axle?

IIRC 29/30mm

 

[AREA 91]

The bearing is shot! Check your tie rod ends and lower ball joint while your in there.

 

[TimboSHO]

I was planning to just get another spindle and bolt that on. So what I mean is do I need anything special to do that? What size is the nut on the end of the axle?

When Phoenix said 'spindle,' that can also be referred to as the knuckle. You have to remove the knuckle to press both the hub and the bearing out of the knuckle assembly. This is a press in unit, no bolting or unbolting about it (unless you get a knuckle off of a junkyard car with an unknown condition bearing already in it). The axle nut is a 30mm, the brake caliper bolts are a 8 or 10mm allen. To get the knuckle off, you will need an 18mm wrench and socket/ratchet to get the ball joint bolt out, an 18mm (IIRC) for the strut bolt, and an 18 or 19mm for the tie rod end nut. You will likely need a long prybar and a big hammer as well. Remember to take the snap ring out before trying to press the bearing out. Usually part of the outer race siezes to the hub anyways, so make sure you get a bearing with a hub included.

 

[Mazdarx]

I picked up a whole replacement knuckle/spindle whatever you want to call it from a wrecking yard for 75$. I'm self employed, I can't be without the car for long so this is the fastest way to fix it. I can't have the downtime of pulling the knuckle, then taking it to a shop to get pressed in. I appreciate the help from here.

 

[luigisho]

If this is your dd you might need another beater on deck just in case. Been there.